4 Contending with the fretful element:5 Bids the winds blow the earth into the sea,6 Or swell the curled water 'bove the main,7 That things might change or cease; tears his white hair,8 Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage,9 Catch in their fury, and make nothing of;10 Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn11 The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.12 This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch,13 The lion and the belly-pinched wolf14 Keep their fur dry, unbonneted he runs,15 And bids what will take all.

KENT

16 But who is with him?

Gentleman

17 None but the fool; who labours to out-jest18 His heart-struck injuries.

KENT

19 Sir, I do know you;20 And dare, upon the warrant of my note,21 Commend a dear thing to you. There is division,22 Although as yet the face of it be cover'd23 With mutual cunning, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall;24 Who have--as who have not, that their great stars25 Throned and set high?--servants, who seem no less,26 Which are to France the spies and speculations27 Intelligent of our state; what hath been seen,28 Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes,29 Or the hard rein which both of them have borne30 Against the old kind king; or something deeper,31 Whereof perchance these are but furnishings;32 But, true it is, from France there comes a power33 Into this scatter'd kingdom; who already,34 Wise in our negligence, have secret feet35 In some of our best ports, and are at point36 To show their open banner. Now to you:37 If on my credit you dare build so far38 To make your speed to Dover, you shall find39 Some that will thank you, making just report40 Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow41 The king hath cause to plain.42 I am a gentleman of blood and breeding;43 And, from some knowledge and assurance, offer44 This office to you.

Gentleman

45 I will talk further with you.

KENT

46 No, do not.47 For confirmation that I am much more48 Than my out-wall, open this purse, and take49 What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia,--50 As fear not but you shall,--show her this ring;51 And she will tell you who your fellow is52 That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm!53 I will go seek the king.

Gentleman

54 Give me your hand: have you no more to say?

KENT

55 Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet;56 That, when we have found the king,--in which your pain57 That way, I'll this,--he that first lights on him58 Holla the other.